Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) theme focuses on the incidence and prevalence of violence against women in conflict and post-conflict settings. Polarisation of gender roles, proliferation of weapons, militarisation, and the breakdown of law influence SGBV.

The risk of SGBV is heightened during conflict by aggravating factors, including the polarization of gender roles, the proliferation of arms, the militarization of society, and the breakdown of law and order. The subsequent long-term and complex impacts of SGBV continue to affect individuals and communities after conflict ends.

SGBV is addressed in all five resolutions on Women, Peace and Security. In SCR 1888, the Security Council expresses its intention to ensure peacekeeping mandate resolutions contain provisions on the prevention of, and response to, sexual violence, with corresponding reporting requirements to the Council (OP11). The resolutions deal with protecting women from violence (1820,OP3, 8-10; 1888,OP3,12); strengthening local and national institutions to assist victims of sexual violence (1820,OP13; 1888,OP13); and including strategies to address sexual violence in post-conflict peacebuilding processes (1820,OP11). SCR 1820 also calls for the participation of women in the development of mechanisms intended to protect women from violence (OP10).

Lastly, SCR 1960 creates institutional tools and teeth to combat impunity and outlines specific steps needed for both the prevention of and protection from conflict-related sexual violence. The new “naming and shaming,” listing mechanism mandated in the Resolution is a step forward in bringing justice for victims and a recognition that sexual violence is a serious violation of human rights and international law.

Addressing SGBV is an integral aspect of the overall Women, Peace and Security agenda. SGBV affects the health and safety of women, and also has significant impact on economic and social stability. The Security Council recognises that sexual violence can threaten international peace and security, and that it is frequently used as a tactic of war to dominate, humiliate, terrorise, and displace.

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Report Of The Secretary-General on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

Report of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2016/361)

The present report, which covers the period from January to December 2016, is submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 2106 (2013), in which the Council requested the UN Secretary-General to report annually on the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010) and to recommend strategic actions.

 

Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, May 2017

Security Council Open Debate:

Women, Peace and Security- Sexual Violence in Conflict

May 15, 2017

By Sarah Tunnell

Seeking Care, Support and Justice for Survivors of Conflict Related Sexual Violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina

2350 SGBV

Security Council Agenda Geographical Topic: 
Haiti
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Extract: 

17. Recalls its resolution 2272 (2016), and all other relevant United Nations resolutions, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to ensure full compliance of all MINUSTAH and MINUJUSTH personnel with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and to continue to keep the Council informed, and urges troop and police-contributing countries to redouble efforts in preventing cases of misconduct and to ensure that acts involving their personnel are properly investigated and punished;

2350 General

Security Council Agenda Geographical Topic: 
Haiti
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
General Women, Peace and Security
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Extract: 

Acknowledging that while important progress has been made, Haiti continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, and affirming that progress in the reconstruction of Haiti, as well as in Haiti’s social and economic development, including women and youth, through effective, coordinated, commendable international development assistance and increased Haitian institutional capacity to benefit from this assistance.

Recognizing that strengthening national human rights institutions as well as respect for human rights, including of women and children, due process and combating criminality, sexual and gender-based violence, and putting an end to impunity and ensuring accountability are essential to ensuring the rule of law and security in Haiti, including access to justice,

Special Measures for Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, A New Approach

UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict

Ms. Pramila Patten of Mauritius - Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict

Violence Against Women Information

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